Join us for a delightful conversation at Greenpoint Palace Bar where Rita and Marisa chat with the incredibly talented Nicole Treska about the politics of Airbnb and high NYC rents as we fantasize about creating a Golden Girls type of compound or escaping to Italy. Nicole's tales of life in Harlem and her evolution to published author inspire us all, as we navigate the highs and lows of New York City living.

Nicole recently published her memoir, "Wonderland", about growing up in Boston. The heart of our discussion centers around the complexities of writing about family history, especially when it involves touching on sensitive subjects like mafia connections and addiction. Nicole shares her experiences balancing honesty with familial respect, highlighting the importance of grace and truthfulness in storytelling. We delve into the challenges of portraying loved ones as they truly are, and the way writing can strain yet ultimately deepen our understanding of family relationships.

As we switch gears, our conversation wanders through the generational impact our parents have had on our romantic relationships and how we share a lighthearted appreciation for iconic actors like Bob Hoskins and Peter Falk. This episode is a blend of humor, sincerity, and insight, encouraging listeners to reflect on how family and storytelling shape our lives and relationships.

Books by Nicole Treska:
Wonderland: A Tale of Hustling Hard and Breaking Even

Mentions:

• Must Love Memoir Reading Series
• All Fours by Miranda July

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Ever wondered what it’s like to navigate a bustling fair while indulging in deep-fried ranch dressing? Join us as Rita recounts her whimsical adventure at the Minnesota State Fair, featuring humorous tales of quirky Midwestern traditions and fond family moments. We then welcome our guest, Janelle Greco, whose talent in storytelling brings to light her impactful work with formerly incarcerated individuals and youth in foster care. This episode is filled with laughter and heartfelt reflections, including touching memories of Rita’s glamorous grandmother.

Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we explore the multifaceted world of education careers. Discover the triumphs and trials from teaching aspirations to grant writing, and learn about Janelle's journey through roles that balance passion and emotional well-being. We also discuss our writing practices, influences and dissect the genres of memoir, auto-fiction and narrative nonfiction. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, we shine a light on the impact our family's have had in our lives and writing.

Mentions

• Eleven by Sandra Cisneros
• The Boys of My Youth by Jo Ann Beard
• Breece D'J Pancake
• James Baldwin
• Werdsmith

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What if our flawed social systems pushed people to commit crimes just to survive? In this compelling episode of "People at the Core," we start with a light-hearted chat about a quirky "What Would Justin Timberlake Do?" shirt and reflect on the pop star’s evolving charm, before segueing into a heartfelt discussion about Britney Spears' current struggles and the genuine support she needs. Our remarkable guest, Vivek Sreekumar, a dynamic individual who transitioned from bartending and DJing to impactful social justice work, joins us to share his incredible journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Vivek’s story is filled with serendipitous moments and valuable experiences, including how his hospitality in New York helped our host land their first job. We recount the origins of Beloved bar, which blossomed from a casual idea among college friends into a thriving community hub. This chapter highlights the deep sense of ownership and familial bonds that drove the bar’s success. From there, Vivek’s path takes a profound turn, shedding light on the complex realities of incarceration, homelessness, and systemic failures in urban planning and social support systems.

Our conversation with Vivek explores the harsh truth of how some individuals resort to committing minor offenses to access essential services provided in jails due to inadequate mental health and substance use support systems. We also discuss legislative efforts to improve housing stability and the emotional significance of pets for homeless individuals. The episode wraps up with a playful yet meaningful discussion on navigating cultural identity, the importance of friendship, and a whimsical game involving celebrity pampering. Tune in for a balance of heartfelt stories, serious social issues, and moments of levity.

Mentions

• Good Shepherd Services
• Rosie Singer Center at Rikers
• Coalition for the Homeless
• Youth Justice and Opportunities Act

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Email us! peopleatthecorepodcast@gmail.com